Summer Nails

Fun, Fabulous Nail Looks for Summer

Summer is the season for showing off fresh, colorful summer nails style. When your hands are on display in flip flops and shorts, who can resist coordinating your manicure and pedicure to your warm-weather wardrobe? This summer, get creative with nail art and designs that evoke tropical vacations, poolside relaxation and sun-soaked fun.

Bright Colors for Summer

One of the best parts of summer manicures is incorporating the vibrant, bold shades reminiscent of summer. Whether you’re lounging at the beach, hitting up a music festival or exploring a new city on vacation, brightly colored nails perfectly complement your summer style and activities.

Some hot nail polish colors for summer include:

•  Neons – Electric, eye-catching shades like neon yellow, pink, green and orange make a splash. They evoke beach balls and pool floats.
•  Corals – From salmon to vivid orangey reds, coral is the ultimate summer color. It’s tropical and vibrant.
•  Ocean Blues – Go nautical with shades from seafoam green to deep ocean blue. Reminds you of tropical waters.
•  Fiery Reds – An iconic summer shade, true reds really pop against summer tans.
•  Fresh Whites – Clean, crisp white is perfect on toes and for French manicures. Looks light and airy.
•  Bubblegum Pinks – Cheerful hot pinks embody the playful energy of summer nights and pool parties.
•  Sunny Yellows – Cheery yellows in highlighter bright or pastel shades evoke sunshine, lemonade and daffodils.
•  Lavenders – Soft pastel purples remind you of cool summer breezes and pretty flowers.

Don’t be shy – summer is the perfect time to try bolder nail colors you might not wear year-round. Have fun and go bright!

Nail Art and Designs

Beyond just bold colors, creative nail art and embellishments allow you to get fancy with your summer mani. Some fun concepts:

•  Tropical motifs – Palm trees, hibiscus, flamingos, pineapples – think tropical getaway.
•  Ocean themes – Sea shells, starfish, coral, sand dollars, bubbles. Transport to the beach.
•  Fruit prints – Watermelon and pineapple prints look juicy. Citrus fruits like limes and lemons are also summery choices.
•  Food art – Popsicles, watermelon slices, pineapple chunks, slices of pie on your nails are too cute.
•  Vacation vibes – Include motifs like sunglasses, cameras, suitcases, or “Wish You Were Here” lettering.
•  Florals – Colorful blooms in vibrant pinks, oranges, yellows and greens are pretty and summer-perfect.
•  Polka dots – Playful classic dots in summer brights with different size variations are easy yet fun.
•  Striping – Horizontal striped patterns are a nod to cool nautical style.
•  Glitter tips – Add some sparkle with glitter ombre fading from cuticle to tip, or full glitter tips.

Let nail art reflect the sights and special memories of summer, from beach scenes to yummy summer treats.

Textured and Embellished Manicures

Dimension is big for summer nails. Try these texture tricks:

•  Sandy textures – Achieve a gritty, sandy look on toes with textured polishes. Feels like walking barefoot on the beach!
•  Sugar sprinkles – Add actual sprinkles or glitter on wet polish for a fun, candy-coated look.
•  Matte effects – Take down shine with a matte topcoat for an edgy summer twist. Matte oranges, yellows and pinks are amazing.
•  Ombre – Blend two colors in a fade effect. Fading from pink at the cuticle to yellow at the tip implies a sunset.
•  Marble – Swirl two nail polish colors together with a dotting tool on the nail for a stone appearance.
•  Jelly – Sheer, translucent polishes layered create a jelly sandwich effect. It’s pretty over brights.
•  Metallic – Shimmery chrome colors are futuristic and edgy. Metallic blue is perfect for the pool or beach.
•  Studs and jewels – Decorate one or two accent nails with mini studs, rings or rhinestones. Give off disco vibes.

Get tactile with your nails! Combining textures makes designs pop.

Negative Space Nail Art

For minimalists, negative space nail art is on trend. This involves using bare nail as the backdrop for creative shapes. Some ideas:

•  Colorblocked tips – Paint on straight lines or geometric shapes with bright colors across the tips. Leave base bare.
•  Skinny lines – Draw in vertical, horizontal or diagonal thin, straight lines dividing up the nail.
•  Half-moon – Leave a half-moon cuticle bare, filling the other half with color.
•  French stripe – Draw a thin line across the tip perpendicular to your French manicure for a modern twist.
•  Circle dots – Make a pattern of circles in one color over bare nails. Vary the sizes.
•  Watercolor stripes – Use a striper brush dipped in two colors to drag thin, imperfect vertical lines lightly down the nail.
•  Minimalist florals – Paint on a single rose, daisy or other delicate flower leaving the rest of the nail naked.

Get creative with the shapes and color combos you use for stand-out nail looks.

Long-Lasting Summer Nail Prep

Maintain your fabulous summer nails using salon gel, dip or acrylic manicures that protect from chipping and extend wear. Some tips:

•  Buff for smoothness – Gently file and buff nails to remove ridges and create a clean palette for polish.
•  Use a basecoat – Basecoat helps polish adhere to nails and prevents staining.
•  Apply thin coats – Multiple thin layers of polish look more even and are less prone to smudging.
•  Finish with a topcoat – Shiny topcoat protects designs and prevents chips. Look for UV protection too.
•  Consider gel color – Gel polish formulas cure under a UV light for long wear without chips or smudging.
•  Use quick-dry drops – Drops help polish dry faster so you can enjoy designs without messing them up.
•  Refresh weekly – Even with strengthened nails, growth and small chips will happen. Aim for weekly manicures.

Prep nails properly so your beach-ready look lasts all season long!

Show Off Your Summer Style

When the weather heats up, your nail game should too! Have fun coordinating fresh colors, art and textures that capture the spirit of summer. Keep designs light and bright. Express your inner artistic side with fun details inspired by vacations and warm weather fun.

With salon gel or acrylics, you can ensure your nails stay chip-free and ready for sun-filled adventures. Change up your mani and pedi each week to match new outfits. Your fabulous nails will have everyone green with envy! Strut your stuff and flaunt the coolest nails on the beach, boardwalk or poolside this summer.